Circuit controller



March 10, 1931. G. w. BERTHOLD CIRCUIT CONTROLLER Filed Nov. I 21. 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 WMM.

March 10, 1931. G W BERTHOLD 1,795,359

CIRCUIT CONTROLLER Filed NOV. 2l, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 March l0, 1931. G. w. BERTHOLD 1,795,359

CIRCUIT CONTROLLER Filed Nov. 21, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 WRS March 10, l931 G. w. BERTHOLD CIRCUIT CONTROLLER Filed Nov. 2l, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Maur'ch 10, 1931. G. w BERTHOLD 1,795,359

CIRCUIT CONTROLLER Filed Nov. 21. 1927 5 sheets-sheet 5 Patented Mar. 10, 1931 GUSTAVE W. BERTHGLD, GF CHCAGO, ILLNOIS CIRCUIT CONTROLLER Application filed November 21, 1927. Serial No. 234,858.

My invention belongs to that general class oi devices .inown as circuit controllers and relates particularly to al controlling device arranger. permit the control ot various cir- 5 cuits and apparatus controlled thereby in predetermined manners W iereby changes in the 'pera-i or. or the devices nrv be re `dily inade vri :rout error and in a -..iiinuin ot' time. The apparatus is particularly designed 10 to be used in theaters and like places Where it may be desired to control many lighting circuits and apparatus circuits so as to produce various eiiec s, it being desirable and in most cases necessary to inalre chances almost in- 15 stantaneoully, and the present apparatus is designed to enable one operator to do accurately and aln'iost instantaneously what would ordinarily require a number of operators ccfsiderabe tune with likelihood of 29 inany errors. The invention has anions; its objects the production of apparatus of the kind described that is simple, eiiicient, reliable and rapid in operation and satisfactory for use wherever found applicable. It has among its other objects the production oi' apparatus of the kind described that is sate and reliable and apparatus that does not require a special ly expert operator. lV ith the present apparatus herein described, the saine has as an ob- 3@ ject the production of a circuit controller so designed that a plurality oi circuits or appar tus operated in conjunction With said circuits inay be controlled in various predey terinined Ways, but which apparatus may in an emergency or for any other reason be controlled independently ot the other circuits Without in any Way a'l'lcctino,` their operation.

Many other objects and advantages of the construction herein shown and described will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein `given'.

To this end my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described.

*U and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding 5 parts:

J Fig. l is a front View of my improved ap- CTL is a section taken substantially on line 6-6 of Fig. 4;

A F is section taken substantially on line [7 ot Fig. 6;

Fic. 8 is a section taken substantially on Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 9-9 of Fig. 7;

Fig. l() is a sectional view taken substantially on line lO-lO of Fig. 4f;

Fig. ll is a sectional View taken substantially online llll of Fig. l0;

Fig. l2 is a section talren substantially on line ,l2-l2 of Fig. ll;

Fig. 13 is a sectional View talten substantially on line 13-13 on. Fig. 4;

Fig. lll is a view taken substantially on line li-lll of Fig. i3; and

l5 is a di u :animatie view illustrating the operation of the device in use.

In the ,drzm'inggs7 l have shown my invention embodied in apparatus which is particularly adapted to be used iu theaters, and the like, to control the lighting' circuits thereof. Thus. it is the usual practice to provide a plurality of circuits so that various combinations thereof may be eniilvloj-Jcd at any desired time to produce any desired lighting effect.

The apparatus preferably comprises a housing or cabinet which is designated genorally by the reference character 20 and may be of any suitable construction. In this instance, the housing 20 is preferably formed from sheet metal and comprises side, top, back and iront Walls and a suitable base 2l. rllhe front Wall, which is designated by the reference character 22, is preferably provided With a plurality of hinged doors 25. 2G and 2T, a lock 28 being preferably provided so that the door 27 may be locked in its closed position for a purpose hereinafter set forth.

Mounted in the cabinet 2O are two substantially duplicate mechanisms which are adapted to control a group of circuits,'the circuits,

being also controlled by a switch 30 which is common to both mechanisms. As best shown in Fig. 4, each of said duplicate mechanisms preferably comprises a shaft which is journaled in brackets 31 and 32 mounted in the cabinet. In one mechanisn'i, the shaft is designated by the reference character '34 and in the other by the reference character 34a. I will now describe the mechanism associa-tec with the shaft 34, but it is to be understood that similar mechanism is associated with the shaft 34a, the mechanism associated with the shaft 34a being lidentified by the same reference numerals to which the letter a7 is added. Mounted upon the shaft 34 are a plurality of metallic disks 35, or the equivalent, which are preferably provided with lugs 36 engageable with a key-way 37 cut in the shaft 34. rilhis construction constrains ythe disks to rotate with the shaft 34 but permits displacement of tie disks along-the sha t when the disks are being assembled therewith. The disks 35 are preferably held "in spaced relation by a plurality of sleeves 39'which are Vnfiounted upon they shaft and are interposed between the disks. lt will be noted that one of the sleeves 39 is interposed between one of the disks 35 and the bracket 32 and that another of the sleeves 39 is interposed between another of the disks 35 vand a metallic disk 40 which also constrainedto rotate'with the shaft 34. Mounted upjon" the shaft 34 to the left (Fig. 4)'of the disk 40 is a wheel or dial 42 having a plurality of suitable symbols 43 upon its periphery, 'which symbols 43 assist the operator or attendant inv making certain adjustments in the 'mechanism as hereinafter explained. lim-exposed between the dial 42 and the disk 40 is a spacing sleeve 44vand a nut screw-threaded upon the shaft 34 bears against the wheel 42. yEhe shaft 34 and the aforedescribed mechanism carried thereby is electrically insulated from the bracket by an insulating sleeve 47 and insulating washers 43. Constrained to rotate with the shaft 34 is a sprocket wheel 49 which is insulated from the shaft by an insulating sleeve 50.

it is readily understood that the nut 45 may be manipulated to clamp the disks 35 and 40 n between the sleeves 39 and 44.V

-As best shown in lO, each of the dis. s 35v is provided with ya plurality of radial y extending slots 52 which accommodate screws 53 and 54 (see Fig. il). Each'pair of screws and 54 are adapted to securea contacting` member 55 to the associated disk 35, the arrangement being such that the contacting member 55 is clamped between the heads of the screws and the disk. Screw-threaded uponr the screws 53 and 54 Aare nuts 57and 53,

respectively, and interposed between the nuts 57 and 53 and the associated disk 35 is an arcuate spring member 59 provided with apertures 6G and 6l to accommodate the screws 53 and 54, respectively. The nut 57 is prefer` ably provided with a groove 63 adapt-ed to receive and engage a projection or lug struck up from the arcuate spring member 59. Obviously, the nuts 57 and 58 may be manipulated to adjust the tension of the arcuate spring member 59 so that the contacting member 55 will be held againsty accidental displacement relative to the associated disk 35. The lug 4 prevents accidental displacement of the nut 57 upon the screw 53. in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, each of the disks 35 is provided with twelve contacting` members 55 and each of these memebrs 55 may be brought into a position wherein it will engage one of a plurality of bifurcated members 55 when the shaft 34 is rotated or the contacting member 55 may be brought into a position wherein it will not engage the bifurcated contacting member 65 when the shaft is rotated (see Fig. l0). The bifuriiurcaie contacting member G3 with a metallic bar TO suitably secured to a plate 80 which is preferably formed from electrical insulation. Electrical conductors hereinafter described are connected to the bars 70. It will be noted that the aforementioned bracket 3l is wound around the plate 7l and that the bar 69v is secured to the'bracket. y

A sprocket wheel 49 is operatively connect ed by a sprocket chain 7 2 to a metallic sheave 7 3 rotatably journaled upon shaft 74 w1 icl is mounted in housing bracket 75 secured to the front wall Q2 of the cabinet 20. Referring to 5, it will be noted that the ends of the sprocket chain 72 are adjustably secured by screws 77 and 78 to a bracket 79 which is secured by a screw 30 to the sheave 73, the arrangement being such that the sprocket wheel 49 and the shaft 34 may be angularly displaced around their coincident a-Xes of rotation by loosening one ofthe screws 77 and 73 and tightening the other. The bracket housing 75 is providedr with a slot 3l in Vwhich a lever 82 rides. is best shown in 2. the lever 32 comprises metallic tube i 33 which is preferably of substantially recangular cross 91. The purpose of this construction will presently appear. Slidably journaled in the tube 83 is a lock 93 provided with an integral lug 94 which projects through a slot 95 formed in the tube 83. Projecting from the lug 94 is a pin 96, or the equivalent, engageable with a plurality of apertures or holes 98 provided in the housing bracket 75. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the number of holes 98 provided in the housing bracket 75 equals the number of contacting members 55 provided upon each of the aforementioned disks 35, the diameters of the sprocket wheel 49 and the sheave 73 being such that each of the holes 98 corresponds to one of the contacting members carried by each of the disks 35 so that any one of the contacting members 55 upon any one of the disks 35 may be brought into engagement with its associated bifurcated contacting member 66 by bringing the lever 82 into a position wherein the pin 96 engages the proper aperture or hole 98.

Screw-threaded into the plug 93 is one end of a rod 99 which has its other end slidably journaled in a handle 100 carried by the outer end of the tube 83. At its outer end, the rod 99 is provided with a button 101, or the equivalent, and interposed between the but- 'ton 101 and the bottom of a recess 102 formed in the handle 100 is a compression spring 103 which yieldingly prevents displacement of the plug 93 when the pin 96 is to be disengaged from one of the holes 98. Also screwthreaded into the plug 93 is one end of a relatively short rod which has its other end screw-threaded into a block 106 preferably formed of electrical insulation and carried by the block 106 is a brush or contacting member 107 engageable with the aforementioned metallic bracket members 88. The brush or contacting member 107 is preferably somewhat resilient, the construction being such that when the compression spring 103 holds the pin 96 in place in one of the apertures or holes 98, the brush 107 engages the metallic bracket members 88 and electrically connects the binding post 90 with the binding post 91. As best shown in Fig. 6, I preferably provide stops 110 and 111 which limit angular displacement of the lever 82.

Mounted in the cabinet 20 and disposed beneath the plate 71 is a plate 115 which is preferably formed from electrical insulation t and mounted upon the plate are a plus rality of switch devices 116, there being a switch device 116 for each of the disks 35. The switch devices 116 are substantially identical in construction and therefore it is only necessary to describe one of them.

Each switch device 116 preferably comprises a bifurcated bracket 118 rigidly secured to the plate 115 and journaled in each bracket 118 is a shaft 120 which carries a disk 121 preferably formed of electrical in sulation. Each disk 121 is provided with a handle 122 whereby the operator may angularly displace the disk. Rigidly secured to each disk 121 are coopearting contacting members 127 and cooperating contacting members 128 which are rigidly secured in a metallic bar 129. Associated with each set of contact-ing members 128 is a relatively long contacting member 132 which projects from a metallic plate 133 secured by a screw 134, or the equivalent, to the plate 115. As best shown in Fig. 8, each contacting member 132 is of such length that it is engaged by the contacting members 128 when the handle member 122 is in the position wherein it is shown in full lines in Fig. 9 and when it is in the position wherein it is shown in dotted lines in the same figures. However, if the handle member 122 and its associated disk 121 are angular-ly displaced in a counterclockwise direction from the position wherein they are shown in full lines in Fig. 9, the contacting members 128 will be disengaged from the contacting member 132. When the handle member 122 and its associated disk 121 are in the positions wherein they are shown in full lines in F ig. 9, the contacting members 127 engage a contacting member 135 which projects from a metallic bar 136 secured. by a screw 138, or the equivalent, to the plate 1,15. VYhen the handle member 122 and its disk 121 are in the positions wherein they are shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9, the contacting members 127 engage a contacting member 139 which projects from a metallic bar 140 secured by a screw 141, or the equivalent, to the plate 115. Each disk 121 is preferably provided with three notches 144, and 146 engageable by a pin 147 carried by a plunger 148, the plunger 148 being slidably journaled in a tubular member 149 carried by the bracket 118. A compression spring 150 mounted in the tubular member 149 urges the pin 147 toward the disk 121. It is readily understood that when any one of the notches 144, 145 and 146 is engaged by the pin 147, the pin 147 prevents accidental angular displacement of the disk. In the present instance, the construction is such that when the notch 1144 is engaged by the pin 147, the contacting members 128 engage the contacting member 132 and the contacting members 127 engage the contacting member 139, and when the notch 145 is engaged by the pin 147, the contacting members 128 are still engaged by the contacting member 132 but the contacting members 127 are engaged with the contacting member 135. lVhen the notch 146 is engaged by the pin 147, the contacting members 127 and 128 do not engage any of the contacting members 132, 135 and 139.

The aforementioned disk 40 is constantly engaged by cooperating contacting members 153 secured by rivets 154 or the equivalent, to

lill) the bracket member'l; which is rigidly secured tothe bar k69. Also rsecurerl to; the bracket member 155 by the rivets; 154;l are spring members 156 which urgethe contactf ing members 153 into engagement with the disk 40.

As best shown in Figs. 1k and 15 a signal lamp 158 is associated with each of the disks 35 each signal lamp being mounted in the front wall 22 directly above its associated disk 85. I alsoy preferably provide a signal lamp 159 in connection with they switch 30 and a plurality of vsmall lamps 160 andr160a associatedv with switches 151 and 1610i, respectively.. As best shown in Fig. 6, I preferably provide a switch 163 which is common to two sets of mechanisms associated` with the shafts 34 and 34a, the switch` 163 being mounted upon a bore 165 which is preferably formed of electricalinsulation and is prei'- erably mounted within the cabinetl 20m such manner that the switch is not accessible when the door 27 is closed.

Referring now to Fig. 15 wherein I- have diagrammatically illustrated the members shownin Figs. 1 tolt, inclusive, the reference characters-170 and 171 designate electrical conductors which are connected to any suitable source (not shown) of electrical energy. For the purposes ofthis disclosure, the conductor 17 O may beassumed tobe the positive main and the conductor 171 may; be assumed to bev the negative main. that I have shown the above described mechanism which is associated with the sha-ft; Bland also the mechanism :which is associated` with the shaftta. I' have alsoassumed that,

the mechanism associated with the shaft:v controls a plurality of lighting/circuits which. are installedin a theater, or the-like, to lightf that part of the-auditorium whichisin front of the stage andthat thel mechanism which'.v

is associated with the shaft 34a controls a group ot lighting circuits which provide4 light'. for the stage.v As is` wellknown to those skilledin theart, various lighting et; fects, are obtainedeby using variouscombinationsot these circuits. Thus@ differently colored lamps maybe employed intherfvarious; circuits or the lamps may be so ,disposed that they `will, give somewhat` different resultsA when used.

in construction and, like parts thereof are designated by thefsame reference numerals.

However, in case ofswitch175m1have added:

the letter a to the referencenumerals.` 'As diagrammatically'illustrated in Fig.; 15', they switch or relay 175 preferably comprises a.

solenoid 176 having a winding 177 and a movable core 178. Garriedfby the movable ycore 178 is an armature 17 9 havingfspaced contact- It will' be noted Yingmembers 18.0 and 181 which are electrical/- ly insulated from each other. The contacting rmembers 180 and 181 are/adapted to engage contacting members 183 and 181i, respectively, when the winding 177 is energized. As shown, theY contacting members 180 and 181 are connected to the conductors 17 0 and 171, respectively, and one terminal of the winding 177 is connected to the conductor 170. The other terminal of the vwinding 177 is connected to the bindingk post 91; the binding post 91 is, of course, adapted to be connected to the-binding post 90 by the brush 107 and, in this instance, the binding post 90 is connected: through the incandescent lamp 160 to one terminal of the switch 161 which has its other terminal connected toy one terminal of the switch- 163, the other; terminal of the switchitgbeing connected to one terminal of the switch 30. rEhe remaining terminal` of the switch 30- is connected through the incandescent lamp 159130 the. conductor 171. The conductor which connects one terminal ci the switch 161 to one terminal of the switch 163I is connected through the incandescent lamp 166@ to one terminal oi the switch161a and the other terminalY ofthe switch 1616i is connected to the binding postv 90a which may be connected through the brush'107'a to the lbinding post 91a, the binding post 91a being connected to one terminal of the winding 17,7@ which has its. other terminal connected to theconductor 170. The contacting members 18Gaand181a-are connected to the conductorsw170 and. 171, respectively. Thek contacting members183 and 18305: are connectedv to thebrnshes 1531and 153m respectively, and the contacting members 184. and 18ta'are connected to binding` posts,k 187 and 1876i, respectively, which are mounted? in a junctiont box 188, or the equivalent. The

binding post 187 isconnectedtoplurality.-

of binding posts 190 andthe binding post' 1876i is connected to a pluralityvoi" binding posts. 1906i. f Each contactingV member 66 is connected-through a signal lamp 158 to acontactingmember 135V and each contacting member 66a is connected; through asignal lamp ,1586i toa contacting member. 1356i.V @t course, a-switchdevice 116 is providedfor each of the contacting members 66 and identi? calswitch devices 116e arey provided for the contactingniembers 66a. However, I'have shownonly one ofthe switch devices 116 and' onlyfone of the switch devices 11601, in Fig. 15, as this is sutlicient for thepurposes'o this; disclosure. The contacting member 139 of each switch 116 is connected tothe conductor. 170 and the contacting member 139aofeach. switch 116afis also connected vto the conductor-170. Connected to thecontacting member 132v ofeach switch 116 is a conductor192 and@A connected to, the contacting member132`off each switch 116@ is a conductor 19264; Itfis.' readilyj understood that there; are twelve. con" ductors 192 and twelve conductors 192@ Connected to the binding posts 190 and 190@ are conductors 193 and 193@, respectively, there being twelve binding posts 190 and twelve binding posts 190@ so that twelve conductors 193 and twelve conductors 193@ are provided. Each conductor 192 is paired with one of the conductors 193 and each of the conductors 192@ is paired with one of the conductors 193@ Bridged across. each pair of conductors 192 and 193 and across each conductor 192@ and 193@ are incandescent lamps 195 and 195@, respectively.

The operation of the above described apparatus is substantially as follows: I will assume that the switches 30, 163, 161 and 161@ are in their closed positions and that the conductors 179 and 171 are connected to a suitable source (not shown) of electrical energ I will also assume that the levers 82 and 82@ are in positions wherein their associated pins 96 and 96@ engage the uppermost apertures or holes 98 and 98@, respectively. Of course, the contacting members 55 and 55@ are arranged in rows and the construction is such that when the pins 96 and 96@ engage one of the apertures 98 and 98@, respectively7 one row or contacting members 55 and one row of contacting` members 55@ will engage the contacting members 66 and 66@, respectively, unless these contacting members 55@ and 55 have been displaced radially of the disks 35 and 35@ into positions wherein they will not engage the contacting members 66 and 63@ However, I am assuming that the members 55 and 55@ are in positions wherein they will engage the contacting members 66 and 66@, respectively, when they are moved into registry therewith.

lli/lith the circuits and mechanism adjusted as indicated in the preceding paragraph, current will flow from the conductor 179 through the winding 177, the binding post 91, the brush 107, the binding post 90, the signal lamp 160, the switches 161, 163 and 30, and through the signal lamp 159 to the conductor 171 and current will also flow from the conductor 179 through the winding 177@, the binding post 91@, the brush 107@, the binding post 9067, the switch 161@, the signal lamp 169@, the switches 163 and 30 and thence through the signal lamp 159 to the conductor 171. Obviously, the solenoids 176 and 176@ will be energized and the contacting members 189 and 181 will engage the contacting members 183 and 184, respectively, and the contacting members 180@ and 181@ will engage the contacting members 183@ and 184@, respectively. An electrical current will then flow from the conductor 170 through the contacting members 180, 183 and 153, the disk 40, the shaft 34, the disks 35, a row of contacting members 55, the contacting members 66, the signal lamps 158, the contacting members 135, the contacting members 127, the

contacting members 128, the contacting members 132, the conductors 192, the lamps 195, the conductors 193, the binding posts 190, the binding post 187 and thence through the contacting members 184 and 181 to the conductor 171. An electrical current will also flow from the conductor 170 through the contacting members 180@ and 183@, the disk 40@, shaft 34@, the disks 35@, al row of contacting members 55a, the contacting members 6664, the signal lamps 158@, the contacting members 135@, the contacting members 127a, the contacting members 128@, the contacting members 132@, the conductors 192@, the lamps 195@, the conductors 193@, the binding posts 199@, the binding post 187@ and thence through the contacting members 184@ and 181 to the conductor 171. Obviously, all of the signal lamps bridged between the conductors 192 and 193 and between the conductors 192@ and 193@ will be lighted. Now, it it is desired to extinguish any set of lamps 195, it is only necessary to angularly displace the disk 121, associated with that set of lamps, in such manner that the associated contacting members 128 arc disengaged from the associated contacting member 132. Obviously, the same result may be obtained with respect to any set of lamps 195@ by angularly displacing the associated disk 121@ by means of its handle 122@ Now, it it is assumed that the contacting member 55 which is shown engagement with the contacting member 66 in Fig. 15, is displaced radially upon its associated disk 35 until it is disengaged from the contacting member 66, it is readily understood that the lamps 195 associated with that particular contacting` member 66 may be lighted by bringing the contacting members 127 of th associated switch device 116 into engagemen with the associated contacting member 13 whereupon current will flow through tlswitch 1GO shown in Fig. 15. rlliis curren will i'low as follows F rom the conductor 179 to the contacting member 139 orn the switch device 116, the contacting members 127 and 128 thereof, the contacting member 132 thereof, the associated conductor 192, the associated lamps 195, the associated conductor 193, its binding post 190, the binding post 187 and thence through the contacting members 184 and 181 to the conductor 171.

Of course, any one of the switches 160@ may also be manipulated to light any set oi' lamps 195@ when the associated contacting member 66@ is not engaged by one of the contacting members 55@.

Now, if it is assumed that all of the contacting members 127 and 127@ engage their respective contacting members 135 and 135@ and all of the lamps 195 and 195@ are lighted, it will be readily understood that any one of the switch devices 116 and 11G@ may be manipulated to extinguish the lamps 195 and Cil 195o in any individual circuit. rlhus, if the disk 121 of the switch device 116 shown in ber 132, the lamps-195 associated with that switch will be extinguished.

As hereinbefore set forth, the wheels of dials l2 andY 42a are provided with symbols i3 and 43a, respectively. The symbols are aligned with the rows of contacting members 55 and 55a and in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the numeral 1 which will engage the contacting members 66 and 66a, respectively, when the levers 82 and 82a are in the positions wherein their pins 96 and 96a respective-ly, engage the uppermost holes or apertures 98 and 98a, respectively. rlhe nent rows of contacting members 55 and 55a are identified by the numeral 2 placed upon the dials or wheels 42 and it is readily understood that I prefer yto number the several rows of contacting members 55 and 55a consecutively so that the numerals upon the dials 42 and 42a run from 1 to 12. rl-he contacting menibers 55 or 55a of any row thereof may be arranged in any desired ina-nner upon their disks 'and 35a, thus some ofthe contacting members of each row thereof may be brought into positions whereby they are engageable with contacting members G6 and the remaining contacting members of that row may be displaced toward the axis of rotation ofthe shaft 34; so that they will not engage the contacting members 66 when they' are aligned therewith. 0bviously, af rela.- tively large number of combinationsr may set up in the mechanisms carried by the shafts Sil and /-la and a relatively large number of lighting effects may be obtained by manipulating the levers 82 and If the levers 82 and 82a are moved into positions wherein a desired lighting effect is produced in a theater, or the like, and it is desired to cut out any lighted string` of'lamps 195 or 1956i., it is only necessary to disengage the contacting members 128 or 128e from the contacting members 132 or 132e, respectively, of the proper switch device 116 or 116e. Also if it is VVdesired to cut in any desired string of lamps 195er 195e, it is only necessary to bring the contacting members 12"?v and 12T@ into engagement with the contacting members 139 or 132er, respectively, of the proper switch 1,16 or 116e.-

If the lever 82a is in a position wherein a certain lighting effectl is obtained upon a. stage and it is desired to immediately darken the stage without altering the lighting condition in the remainder of the theater, it is only necessary to open the-switch 1616i and if it is cesired to darken the theater with the exception of the stage withoutv changing the position ofthe lever 82, it is only necessary to open the switch 161. if all of the lights in the theaterare to be darkened, this can be accomplished by opening either or both of the switches 30 and 163. It will be noted that the switch 132 is not accessible when ther door 27 is in its closed position. Therefore, if the operator wishes to prevent any unauthorized person from attempting to adjust the apparatus to obtain new lighting effects, it is only necessary to open the switch 163 and lock the door 27 in its closed position, Obviously, the lighting system is then functionally inoperative.

Having thus described my invention, it is obrious that various immaterial modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of my invention; hence l do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown anddescribed, or uses mentioned.

JV hat I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Fatent is:

1. In apparatus of the class' described, a shaft, a disk mounted on'said shaft and constrained to rotatel therewith, a plurality of contacting members inovably mounted in said disk and arranged circuinferentially thereof, a plurality of yielding means frictionally engaging said disk for preventing accidental displacement of said contacting members relative to sai-d disk, and a contacting meinber successively engageable by said plurality Vof contacting members when said shaft is rotated.

2'. Iny .apparatus of the class described, a shaft, a disk mounted on said shaftv and constrainedV to rotate therewith,l al plurality of contacting members slidably mounted on said disk, a plurality of yielding members secured to said contacting members and frictionally engaging said disk to prevent accidental displacement of said contacting membersrelative to said dis-lnineans for adjusting the tension of` said yielding means, and a contacting member successively engageable by saidl plurality of contacting members when said shaft isrot-ated.

3. A aratus for controlling any electrical' tacting members carried by said disks, means comprisingl a lever for rotating said shaft, a switch including a movable contacting member carried by said lever, and means carried by said lever for actuating said.

switch. Y

4l. Apparatus-of the class described comprising avshaft, aplurality ofdisks mount.- ed on said shaft and constrained to rotate therewith, afpluralityof contacting members'` l, adjustably mounted on each of said disks, a

contacting member aligned with and spaced k from each of said disks and engageable by said plurality of contacts carried thereby, be-

. ing movable radially relative to said disks,

a lever mounted to pivot about an axis spaced from the longitudinal axis of said shaft, and

I means whereby angular motion of said lever is transmitted to said shaft.

10 5. Apparatus of the class described comprising a shaft, a plurality of disks mounted on said shaft and constrained to rotate therewith, a plurality of contacting members adjustably mounted on each of said disks, a contactino' member aligned with and spaced from each of said disks and engageable by said plurality of contacts carried thereby, a

lever mounted to pivot about an axis spaced from the longitudinal axis of said shaft, and

adjustable means whereby angular motion of said lever is transmitted to said shaft.

6. In apparatus of the class described, a shaft, a disc mounted on said shaft and constrained to rotate therewith, a plurality of contacting members mounted on and radially movable relative to said disc and arranged circumferentially thereof, a plurality of means engaging said disc for fastening said contacting means in adjusted position and preventing accidental displacement of said contacting members relative to said disc, and a contacting member successively engageable by said plurality of contacting members when said shaft is rotated.

7. In apparatus of the class described, a

shaft, a disk mounted on the shaft and constrained to rotate therewith, a plurality of contacting members mounted on and arranged circumferentially of the disk, a contacting member mounted independently of said disk and in spaced relation to the periphery thereof, individual mountings for each of said plurality of con acting members aermitting the shifting of said members radially outwardly to a position wherein said members Contact with said spaced apart contacting member, and a plurality of means engaging said disk for preventing accidental displacements of said contacting means rela tive to the disk, said means permitting each of said plurality of contacting members to be separately shifted radially.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name.

GUSTAVE W. BERTI-IOLD. 

